PULLMAN, Wash -
Washington State University has joined into multi-year partnership agreements with AB Foods and the Washington State Beef Commission, WSU Director of Athletics Jim Sterk announced Sunday.

Under the agreements, AB Foods becomes the sole provider of hamburgers and hot dogs at all Cougar athletic venues in Pullman, while gaining a presence in and around WSU athletic events through signage and marketing opportunities.

The Washington State Beef Commission becomes the presenting sponsor for the Cougar Gridiron Classic, WSU's annual football game played at Qwest Field in Seattle, home of the Seattle Seahawks. Other highlights of the partnership include sponsorship rights for the Cougar Gridiron Classic, pre- and in-game advertising, along with numerous co-branding opportunities.

"We are delighted to welcome both AB Foods and Washington Beef into the Cougar family," said Sterk. "These are two mutually-beneficial partnerships and of equal importance is we all have our footprint strongly entrenched in the Pacific Northwest."

AB Foods is a family-owned company based in Boise, Idaho, that has been committed to producing the finest quality meats for the past 40 years. AB Foods has grown into a leader with a firm belief in the importance of incorporating sustainable agriculture practices in every segment of its business operations. The Pacific Northwest is well known for its ability to produce and sustain some of the finest livestock in the country and AB Foods uses the abundant region to provide top-quality beef throughout the United States.

"We believe this partnership is a win-win for both the university and our company," said AB Foods spokesman David Barbrack. "Many of our employees, customers, partners and ranchers that produce the excellent cattle we buy graduated from Washington State University. We are proud to give back to an institution that generates a wonderful pool of talent every year."

The Washington State Beef Commission has been working with the very best Washington cattle feeders since 1979 to provide the highest quality beef products to the markets of Western North America and the Pacific Rim. To ensure safety, Washington Beef adheres to strict quality control standards, operating under the supervision of USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service and utilizing the latest in science and technology to make sure that all products are healthy and safe to eat.

"Many beef producers are Cougs themselves so this sponsorship is a perfect match," said Ray McGaugh, Chairman of the Washington State Beef Commission.

The Cougars will host Baylor University at the 2006 Cougar Gridiron Classic, to be played Sept. 16 at Qwest Field. For ticket information contact the WSU Ticket Office at 1-800-GO-COUGS or online at www.wsucougars.com.